# 2026-19663: FERC seeks input on Texas gas cavern expansion environmental impacts

2026-19663, Tres Palacios Gas Storage LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Tres Palacios Smith Cavern Expansion Project, is a Federal Register notice from Energy Department, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published 2026-09-25, effective 2026-09-25; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-10-02).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19663
- As of: 2026-10-02
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-19663
- Title: Tres Palacios Gas Storage LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Tres Palacios Smith Cavern Expansion Project
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Energy Department; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- Citation: 91 FR 60955
- Published: 2026-09-25
- Effective: 2026-09-25
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-10-02

## In one line

FERC seeks input on Texas gas cavern expansion environmental impacts

## Summary

Tres Palacios Gas Storage LLC wants to expand its Smith Cavern gas storage in Texas, which could affect local communities and the environment. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is asking the public to share their thoughts on possible environmental impacts by October 22, 2026. This feedback will help decide if the project moves forward, balancing energy needs with protecting nature and people.

## Effects PRIA read

- Landowners: Easements and Eminent Domain Risk: cost, high. If FERC approves the project, Tres Palacios may seek easements to build and operate facilities on private land. You are not required to sign an easement, but if you and the company do not agree the company could initiate condemnation (eminent domain) proceedings in court; compensation would be dete…
- Construction Footprint: Acres Disturbed and Permanently Used: cost, medium. Construction of the project would disturb about 185.0 acres of land; after construction Tres Palacios would maintain about 61.0 acres for permanent operation and restore the remaining acreage. About 94% of the proposed Mainline Loop Line 300 parallels existing pipeline, utility, or road rights-of-w…
- NEPA Review Will Examine Air, Water, Wildlife, and Noise: benefit, low. FERC will prepare an environmental document under the National Environmental Policy Act that will analyze effects on geology and soils; water resources and wetlands; vegetation and wildlife; threatened and endangered species; cultural resources; land use; air quality and noise; and reliability and…

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## Sources
- [2026-19663 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/25/2026-19663/tres-palacios-gas-storage-llc-notice-of-scoping-period-requesting-comments-on-environmental-issues)
- [2026-19663 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-25/pdf/2026-19663.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-19662, Combined Notice of Filings](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19662)
- [Next: 2026-19664, Natural Gas Pipeline of America, LLC; Horizon Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19664)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19663 (as of 2026-10-02).